Jayrdee wrote:Another thing to consider, things that are automated require maintenance. And to change
something as big as the entire global automotive industry and make it all automated, that
opens a whole new job market and a new generation of mechanics, engineers, and tinker-ers.
People who get satisfaction out of doing stuff with their own hands.
Also interesting to speculate on the ultimate goals of the motor industry. Do they
want cars
to be repaired and returned to the roads after they break down or become worn out ?? What
happens if your phone or toaster or electric razor stops working ?? Do you take it to a repair
shop or do you throw it in the nearest dumpster and go buy a new one ??
As cars become increasingly sophisticated with computers controlling the throttle, steering,
trans, engine, suspension, brakes etc., the technicians job consists of using another computer
to determine which is the faulty part, and then replacing that part with a new one. Components
are generally not repairable, designed to have a certain service life and then to be replaced.
Take it one step further, and you have the disposable car. Factory sealed and built with a
design life of (say) 150,000 miles without needing servicing. Killer concept... reduced cost to
produce, no parts inventory required, very latest safety and environmental controls on every
vehicle, car stops working if anyone tampers with it, no need for trained technicians for
servicing, and no old clunkers on the roads. Legislators will
LOVE this !!!! Japan is
already well down the road towards developing the "sealed for life" engine package.
Something to think about
Cheers... jondee86